FIA double down on strict Qatar GP rules forcing three pit stops per F1 driver
Drivers could be forced into three or four pit stops as a minimum in the Qatar Grand Prix after the FIA confirmed that tyres will only be allowed to used for maximum of 18 laps amid safety fears.
In an official statement, motorsport's governing body announced it and tyre supplier Pirelli "will communicate to the teams the remaining available laps for each set of used tyres". The lifespan of already used tyres will be taken into consideration.
The decision does not necessarily mean that teams will be mandated to complete three stops throughout the duration of the race, as had been previously mooted. But, should the Grand Prix run the whole distance, the 18-lap limit means three stops as a minimum will be required anyway.
The FIA also made it clear that teams will face sanctions should they not follow the new guidelines. The statement added: "Any car deemed to have exceeded the tyre life lap limit will be reported to the stewards as being run in an unsafe condition."
The measures come amid concerns over conditions of tyres during the Qatar Grand Prix. Pirelli raised the alarm after studying tyres used during Friday's practice session, with 'pyramid' kerbs identified as the likely cause of significant damage done to the compounds.
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The track has been narrowed at turns 12 and 13 in the hope of reducing the damage done to the tyres. Further analysis was also done following Saturday's Sprint race, with the call then being made to introduce the lap maximum.
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has already expressed his disdain at the forced changes in the face of tyre damage. Speaking in Qatar, he said: "It shouldn't happen, this should not happen in Formula 1.
What is your take on the new tyre measures at the Qatar Grand Prix? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"But it has, and now we need to see how we get out of it. I think the good thing with this coming out, there are solutions for this race weekend but going forward, this shouldn't happen again.
"In the end, it is embarrassing because this is not where we should be. There was some signs already here two years ago, we had issues but they were different kerbs. I think they were supposed to develop some kerbs which don't damage the tyres but apparently the kerbs we have developed, they damage the tyres.
"I didn't speak with Pirelli yet to see what actually is happening, but I think if they found issues with the tyres that is what they need to do to make sure that we are not having a scenario like a few years ago, that you have got tyres going down which is never good."
Recently-crowned F1 champion Max Verstappen will start on pole for the upcoming race, with Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton behind him. Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez starts the race down in 13th after a tricky few weeks.
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